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The Capricorn-Aquarius cusp can be likened symbolically to the period around seventy years of age in the human life; it arrives at the time in winter when the days are lengthening but remain cold in the northern hemisphere. Indeed, nights are freezing and refuge must be sought inside. The Capricorn-Aquarius cusp may be said to represent Mystery and Imagination. In human development, at the age of seventy, one must certainly come to terms with oneâs own mortality. Preparations must be made to make oneâs remaining years comfortable but also productive and satisfying. Although external activities have usually slowed down considerably, ideally a corresponding increased tempo of the interior lifeâmental, emotional, spiritualâcan manifest. The worlds of imagination, fantasy, and dreams are active, and some feel and act in a childlike manner. The days that comprise the Capricorn-Aquarius cusp exemplify some of the manifestations of Mystery and Imagination where the practical, conservative Capricorn nature clashes with unpredictable, unconventional Aquarian impulses.
{January 17 - 22}
The vivid and expressive individuals born on the cusp of Mystery & Imagination generate excitement wherever they go. Unable to keep out of the action for very long, they make their presence felt almost immediately upon entering a room. Their viewpoints tend to be controversial, and whether conservative or radical, are highly stimulating, often because of the dramatic way they are delivered. Their interest in the poor and downtrodden is more than theoretical: most of them will not hesitate to make direct contributions of time, money or energy to help anyone less fortunate than themselves. At the same time, however, they have little sympathy for those they see as freeloaders or parasites, able to pull their own weight but refusing to do so.
There is structure and a feeling of responsibility in the personalities of these people, but their unpredictable energy may tend to break this order apart at any moment. It is not uncommon for them to have wide mood swings; they can appear sensible and reasonable one moment, uncontrolled the next. They can get pretty wild, so it is not surprising that violence can feature in their lives, whether they attract it or enact it. Chaotic, out-of-control energies can produce tremendous unrest in their lives. Their regard for their personal safety is usually not high, a trait they may reinforce with a daredevil natureâa deadly or at least dangerous combination. A disregard for their health in general, and an insistent confidence that their prodigious energies will bail them out, time and time again, can wear them down over the years, or induce chronic physical conditions. Concerned mates and lovers may have a hard time, for example, weaning them away from heavy drinking and smoking.
These people have a pronounced dark side. Not ones to keep anger inside for very long, they can explode in fits of temper that will send others scurrying. The image of such a furious person hell-bent on punishment is at tremendous variance with the face they present when enjoying themselves and having fun. More than most, they can be at the mercy of their demons, so that their outbursts of temper are truly spontaneous. Because they are rarely calculating, it is hard to blame them for their tremendous mood swings, which are usually forgiven, though not easily forgotten, by those closest to them.
Even the most settled and conventional among them will often have an active dream and fantasy life. They lead a kind of Walter Mitty existence, with few guessing the extent of their interior life or the degree of its inventiveness. Everyday situations can prove the springboard for bizarre mental gyrations, in which they become the central character in an imaginary world. These flights of fancy rarely indicate pathological statesâquite to the contrary, they show how important being in touch with oneâs fantasy life can be for mental health.
These people love to tell and play jokes. Their mates, friends and family must not only understand but appreciate this need if they are to be kept happy. It isnât always easy, however, to keep up with such persons, who may one moment be dealing seriously with day-to-day problems, the next exploding in riotous laughter. They also have a conventional side that can make them extremely exacting: they generally expect all family members to do their duty and discharge their obligations to the fullest.
They can only fully respect people who share daily chores and duties with them fairly. These people often seek hard-working, dependable mates rather than beautiful or intelligent ones. Outside their permanent or primary relationship, however, the impulsive among them may be magnetically attracted to vivacious and exciting individuals, or to quieter but still passionate types. Their sexual powers are usually high, and their interest in sex is pronounced. When they stray, they suffer to an extent from guilt, but this can lend extra spice to their indiscretions. Although they may attach little importance to such flings, their partner may not be so understanding, and deep, long-lasting hurts may be inflicted. In their sexual and other escapades, they exhibit an immature side, like Peter Pan, who refused to grow up. Youthfulness is, in fact, one of the most obvious of their qualities.
Those born on the cusp of Mystery & Imagination do not necessarily age well; many risk burnout in their tumultuous lifestyles, others deteriorate through neglect or abuse of their bodies. Haste and carelessness may not only wear them down physically but contribute to psychological instability. On the other hand, those lucky enough to have a stable support group, whether in family, friends or, a mate, can have it all, establishing the many facets of their personalities. Those who live alone may, in fact, build up great inner strength through dealing with the most difficult and elusive customer they have ever metâthemselves.
Strengths: Exciting, Entertaining, Lighthearted
Weaknesses: Chaotic, Difficult, Eruptive
Planetary Rulers: Saturn, Uranus
Elements: Earth, Air
